Mercedes-Benz SL Specs by Generation
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere lists 20 US-market Mercedes-Benz SL trims across 3 chassis codes, from the R230 (2003–2012) to the R232 (2022–present), with engine code, power, torque, 0–60, weight and launch MSRP. The R232 makes 375–805 hp (AMG SL 43 to AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE); quickest Mercedes-claimed 0–60 is 2.8 s.
R232 SL (2022–present) specs
Chassis code: R232 roadster
What changed in the R232
The R232 SL was developed by AMG, so every US version wears AMG badging. It returned to a fabric soft top, added 2+2 seating and shares its aluminum structure with the C192 AMG GT. US sales began for 2022 with the SL 55 and SL 63, both with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and a 9-speed MCT. The rear-drive four-cylinder SL 43 joined for 2023 and the plug-in-hybrid SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE for 2025.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMG SL 55MSRP excludes $1,050 destination ($138,450 with it). | 2022–present | Roadster | M177 | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 | 469 | 516 | AWD (4MATIC+) | AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed | 3.8 automatic | 183 | — | $137,400 |
| AMG SL 63Launch MSRP derived from $179,150 incl. $1,050 destination. Curb weight from Cars.com 2025 listing. | 2022–present | Roadster | M177 | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 | 577 | 590 | AWD (4MATIC+) | AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed | 3.5 automatic | 196 | 4,321 | $178,100 |
| AMG SL 43Rear-wheel drive only. MSRP excludes $1,150 destination. Top speed electronically limited. | 2023–present | Roadster | M139 | 2.0L turbo inline-4 with electric exhaust-gas turbocharger (48V) | 375 | 354 | RWD | AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed | 4.8 automatic | 170 | 3,825 | $109,900 |
| AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCECombined system output; KBB lists about 11 miles electric range. KBB shows $208,150 vs Cars.com $207,150. | 2025–present | Roadster | M177 | 4.0L twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid with rear electric motor | 805 | 1,047 | AWD (4MATIC+) | AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed | 2.8 automatic | — | 4,389 | $207,150 |
Sources for the R232: Cars.com — 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 trims · Motor Authority — 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL priced well into six figures · Cars.com — 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 specs · Cars.com — 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 specs (incl. S E Performance pricing) · Wikipedia — Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R232) (secondary source) · Kelley Blue Book — 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 to start at $109,900 · Kelley Blue Book — 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance
R231 SL (2013–2020) specs
Chassis code: R231 roadster · facelift from the 2017 model year
What changed in the R231
The R231 SL moved to an almost all-aluminum body, cutting weight substantially versus the R230 while keeping the folding hardtop. The US launch for 2013 paired the 4.7-liter twin-turbo SL550 with the SL63 AMG and V12 SL65 AMG, and a V6 SL400 joined for 2015. The 2017 facelift brought a diamond grille and new lights, renamed the V6 car SL450, and gave the V6 and V8 models a 9-speed automatic, while AMG versions kept a 7-speed.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL550 | 2013–2016 | Roadster | M278 | 4.7L twin-turbo V8 | 429 | 516 | RWD | 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed automatic | 4.5 automatic | — | — | $105,500 |
| SL550MSRP excludes $925 destination. | 2017–2020 | Roadster | M278 | 4.7L twin-turbo V8 | 449 | 516 | RWD | 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic | — | — | — | $110,800 |
| SL400US torque rating not confirmed. | 2015–2016 | Roadster | M276 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 | 329 | — | RWD | 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed automatic | — | — | — | $84,000 |
| SL450Renamed from SL400 with more power. | 2017–2020 | Roadster | M276 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 | 362 | 369 | RWD | 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic | 4.9 automatic | — | — | $86,950 |
| SL63 AMGAn optional AMG Performance Package raised output (557 hp/664 lb-ft per Wikipedia). | 2013–2014 | Roadster | M157 | 5.5L twin-turbo V8 (AMG) | 530 | 590 | RWD | AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed | — | — | — | $145,800 |
| AMG SL 63Final US model year not confirmed (Wikipedia says discontinued after 2019). | 2015–2019 | Roadster | M157 | 5.5L twin-turbo V8 (AMG) | 577 | 664 | RWD | AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed | — | — | — | $148,050 |
| SL65 AMGTorque electronically limited. Final US model year not confirmed. | 2013–2019 | Roadster | M279 | 6.0L twin-turbo V12 (AMG) | 621 | 738 | RWD | AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic | 3.9 automatic | — | — | $212,240 |
Sources for the R231: Cars.com — 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims · Cars.com — 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims · Cars.com — 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL 450 trims · Mercedes-Benz USA media — 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster Quick Reference Guide · Wikipedia — Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R231) (secondary source) · Motor Authority — 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 priced from $106,375 · Cars.com — What's new: 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL 450
R230 SL (2003–2012) specs
Chassis code: R230 roadster · facelift from the 2009 model year
What changed in the R230
The R230 SL brought a folding aluminum-and-glass Vario-Roof, turning the roadster into a coupe at the touch of a button, plus Active Body Control and electrohydraulic brakes. US sales began for 2003 with the SL500 and supercharged SL55 AMG; twin-turbo V12 SL600 and SL65 AMG versions followed. For 2007 the SL500 became the SL550 with a new 5.5-liter V8, and the 2009 facelift added a new nose, the 6.2-liter SL63 AMG and the limited SL65 AMG Black Series fixed-roof coupe.
| Trim | Model years | Body | Engine code | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Drive | Transmission | 0–60 mph (s) | Top speed (mph) | Curb weight (lb) | Base MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL5007G-Tronic replaced the 5-speed from the 2005 model year. MSRP shown is the 2005 figure; launch-year MSRP not confirmed. | 2003–2006 | Roadster | M113 | 5.0L V8 | 302 | 339 | RWD | 5G-Tronic 5-speed automatic, 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic | — | — | — | $91,300 (2005) |
| SL55 AMG | 2003–2006 | Roadster | M113K | 5.4L supercharged V8 | 493 | 516 | RWD | AMG Speedshift 5-speed automatic | — | — | — | $113,250 |
| SL55 AMGUprated output for 2007. | 2007–2008 | Roadster | M113K | 5.4L supercharged V8 | 510 | 531 | RWD | AMG Speedshift 5-speed automatic | — | — | — | $128,800 |
| SL600MSRP shown is the 2005 figure. | 2004–2006 | Roadster | M275 | 5.5L twin-turbo V12 | 493 | 590 | RWD | 5G-Tronic 5-speed automatic | — | — | — | $129,400 (2005) |
| SL600Uprated output from 2007. | 2007–2012 | Roadster | M275 | 5.5L twin-turbo V12 | 510 | 612 | RWD | 5G-Tronic 5-speed automatic | — | — | — | $132,000 |
| SL65 AMGTorque electronically limited. | 2005–2012 | Roadster | M275 | 6.0L twin-turbo V12 (AMG) | 604 | 738 | RWD | AMG Speedshift 5-speed automatic | — | — | — | $182,100 |
| SL550Replaced the SL500 name in the US for 2007 with the new 5.5L V8. | 2007–2012 | Roadster | M273 | 5.5L V8 | 382 | 391 | RWD | 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic | — | — | — | $94,800 |
| SL63 AMGReplaced the SL55 AMG with the 2009 facelift. | 2009–2012 | Roadster | M156 | 6.2L V8 (AMG, naturally aspirated) | 518 | 465 | RWD | AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed | — | — | — | $135,000 |
| SL65 AMG Black SeriesFixed-roof coupe; 350 built, about half for the US. | 2009 | Coupe | M275 | 6.0L twin-turbo V12 (AMG) | 661 | 738 | RWD | AMG Speedshift Plus 5-speed automatic | — | — | — | $299,000 |
Sources for the R230: Cars.com — 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims · Cars.com — 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims · Cars.com — 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims · Cars.com — 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims · Wikipedia — Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230) (secondary source)
0–60 mph figures are Mercedes-Benz-claimed unless marked † (instrumented magazine test). "—" means we could not confirm the figure from a source. MSRP is US base price at launch, excluding destination. Many Mercedes models are electronically limited (often 130 or 155 mph, higher with AMG Driver's Package); see trim notes.
See exactly how a specific SL was optioned from the factory.
Trim specs are the starting point; a car's options, paint and upholstery are recorded on its data card. CarWhere decodes a Mercedes-Benz SL data card from the VIN — free availability check, $9.99 only if build data exists for that car.
Related Mercedes-Benz SL pages
- Compare Mercedes-Benz SL trims side by side
- Mercedes-Benz SL known issues by chassis code
- Mercedes-Benz engine codes explained
- Mercedes-Benz build sheet by model
Specs for other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
What are the Mercedes-Benz SL generations and chassis codes?
The Mercedes-Benz SL has been sold in the US in 3 generations, each known by its chassis code: R230 (2003–2012), R231 (2013–2020), R232 (2022–present).
How much horsepower does the R232 AMG SL 55 have?
The R232 AMG SL 55 (2022–present) makes 469 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque from its 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (M177), with a Mercedes-claimed 0–60 mph time of 3.8 seconds (automatic) and a 183 mph top speed.
How much horsepower does the R231 SL65 AMG have?
The R231 SL65 AMG (2013–2019) makes 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque from its 6.0L twin-turbo V12 (AMG) (M279), with a Mercedes-claimed 0–60 mph time of 3.9 seconds (automatic).
What is the most powerful and quickest Mercedes-Benz SL?
The most powerful SL listed here is the R232 AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE at 805 hp. The quickest 0–60 mph figure is 2.8 seconds for the R232 AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE (Mercedes-claimed, automatic).
What changed in the R232 Mercedes-Benz SL?
The R232 SL was developed by AMG, so every US version wears AMG badging. It returned to a fabric soft top, added 2+2 seating and shares its aluminum structure with the C192 AMG GT. US sales began for 2022 with the SL 55 and SL 63, both with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and a 9-speed MCT. The rear-drive four-cylinder SL 43 joined for 2023 and the plug-in-hybrid SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE for 2025.
How can I see how a specific Mercedes-Benz SL was optioned from the factory?
Spec tables show what each trim offered; the options on an individual car are recorded on its data card, tied to the VIN. The Mercedes-Benz data card, decoded from the VIN, lists the factory option codes, original paint and upholstery as the car was built.
Sources
Figures were compiled by CarWhere from Mercedes-Benz USA press kits, specification sheets and pricing releases first, then instrumented tests and spec data from the car press where Mercedes-Benz did not publish a US figure.
- Cars.com — 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims
- Cars.com — 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims
- Cars.com — 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims
- Cars.com — 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims
- Wikipedia — Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230) (secondary source)
- Cars.com — 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims
- Cars.com — 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trims
- Cars.com — 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL 450 trims
- Mercedes-Benz USA media — 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster Quick Reference Guide
- Wikipedia — Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R231) (secondary source)
- Motor Authority — 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 priced from $106,375
- Cars.com — What's new: 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL 450
- Cars.com — 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 55 trims
- Motor Authority — 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL priced well into six figures
- Cars.com — 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 specs
- Cars.com — 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 specs (incl. S E Performance pricing)
- Wikipedia — Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R232) (secondary source)
- Kelley Blue Book — 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 to start at $109,900
- Kelley Blue Book — 2025 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance
More Mercedes-Benz tools
- Mercedes-Benz tools & data hub
- Compare two Mercedes trims
- Mercedes chassis codes explained
- Mercedes engine codes
- Mercedes known issues by chassis
- Mercedes car show window card
- Free Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder
- Mercedes-Benz option codes
- Mercedes-Benz paint codes
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mercedes-Benz Group AG or Mercedes-Benz USA. Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach and the model names are trademarks of their owner.